The UK Royal Navy has deployed HMS Portland on a seven-month tour as part of the Atlantic Patrol to the South Atlantic.

Atlantic Patrol aims to maintain UK sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, which includes South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

During the deployment, the Type-23 frigate will provide a maritime presence to protect the UK’s interests in the area, replacing HMS York, a Type 42 destroyer, which has been on routine patrol in the region.

Atlantic Patrol is the standing naval commitment to provide the South Atlantic and West African regions with a frigate or destroyer and a royal fleet auxiliary support vessel.